Oil Filter Missing/Seized Engine - Dealer Claims "Stolen"

[VTHockey11]

My fiancee was driving her 2009 Ford Focus home from work when her Engine Light came on. The engine began rumbling, and within a couple of miles, seized.

She had it towed to her dealership where they held the car for over 24 hours before delivering a verdict on the issue, saying the engine seized due to a missing oil filter and would need to be replaced for $6,500.

She asked how the oil filter could go missing about 3000 miles after her last oil service/check-up at their dealership and the guy said, "It was stolen."

I've looked up and down the internet and haven't found one person who had their oil filter stolen.

Is there any means of stealing an oil filter without breaking into the car? And furthermore, is it of any value? Why would someone steal one?

My belief is that the mechanic put the wrong filter in and it eventually fell out due to being the wrong size and as a result, we are going to fight for them to replace the engine at their expense. Is this a fair conclusion? Has anyone ever experienced a stolen oil filter?

Thanks!

[oldblu65]

Originally Posted by VTHockey11

My fiancee was driving her 2009 Ford Focus home from work when her Engine Light came on. The engine began rumbling, and within a couple of miles, seized.

She had it towed to her dealership where they held the car for over 24 hours before delivering a verdict on the issue, saying the engine seized due to a missing oil filter and would need to be replaced for $6,500.

She asked how the oil filter could go missing about 3000 miles after her last oil service/check-up at their dealership and the guy said, "It was stolen."

I've looked up and down the internet and haven't found one person who had their oil filter stolen.

Is there any means of stealing an oil filter without breaking into the car? And furthermore, is it of any value? Why would someone steal one?

My belief is that the mechanic put the wrong filter in and it eventually fell out due to being the wrong size and as a result, we are going to fight for them to replace the engine at their expense. Is this a fair conclusion? Has anyone ever experienced a stolen oil filter?

Thanks!

I have to agree with you on the fact that the missing oil filter is more likely caused by improper servicing rather than theft ! I've never heard of an oil filter thief - why would anyone go to the effort to steal an oil filter as they're relatively cheap to buy and the thief would tend to get very messy lying under the car while removing it - doesn't make sense ? As for access to the filter without entering the car to open the hood - some vehicles have the filter located where it could be removed with the hood closed . It would just add to the effort to steal a relatively cheap part - one that would have little or no value for resale ? ! Was the oil change done at a Ford dealership or a " quickie oil change " location ? I definitely would get a lawyer involved as the company has already strongly indicated ( with their " oil thief " story ) that they intend to fight your efforts to get a solution ! I am not a lawyer so my amateurish advice is worth what you paid for it ! Document every conversation , every response you receive from them , and every expense you incur in trying to correct this problem . Good luck and keep us updated !

[VTHockey11]

Originally Posted by oldblu65

I have to agree with you on the fact that the missing oil filter is more likely caused by improper servicing rather than theft ! I've never heard of an oil filter thief - why would anyone go to the effort to steal an oil filter as they're relatively cheap to buy and the thief would tend to get very messy lying under the car while removing it - doesn't make sense ? As for access to the filter without entering the car to open the hood - some vehicles have the filter located where it could be removed with the hood closed . It would just add to the effort to steal a relatively cheap part - one that would have little or no value for resale ? ! Was the oil change done at a Ford dealership or a " quickie oil change " location ? I definitely would get a lawyer involved as the company has already strongly indicated ( with their " oil thief " story ) that they intend to fight your efforts to get a solution ! I am not a lawyer so my amateurish advice is worth what you paid for it ! Document every conversation , every response you receive from them , and every expense you incur in trying to correct this problem . Good luck and keep us updated !

Exactly what I was thinking.

She purchased the car, brand new, from this dealership in 2009. Since then she has taken her car there to be serviced every time. It's a genuine Ford dealership and not a "quickie oil change" place. Considering that it was 3000 miles since her last oil fill, my belief is that it was improperly serviced and, as a result, vibrated out eventually.

We're reaching up the chain of command at the company with the combined efforts of a bunch of people, but it's a very frustrating situation. We're out an engine and car - and they say it will cost us $6500 to remedy a situation they most definitely created.

I've never heard of oil filter theft and apparently no one else has, either.

We've already called the insurance company and they're appraising it themselves soon. I think they'll come to the same conclusion as us - that the dealership owes us a new engine.

What a frustrating experience, though, and angry to be treated like an idiot and told it was probably "stolen."